Some high-octane investors complain it takes too long to make money investing in the S&P 500. But some of the S&P 500's members are massive winners.
A $100,000 investment in one of three S&P 500 stocks, Palantir Technologies, GE Vernova or Newmont, would have lifted that initial investment to a value of at least $185,000 just so far this year, says an Investor's Business Daily analysis of data from S&P Global Market Intelligence and MarketSurge.
The gains on just these three stocks account for more than 12% of the total amount gained had an investor put the same amount on money on each stock in the S&P 500.
Such gains just highlight how powerful the current bull market in the S&P 500 is this year.
"Markets are continuing to climb a wall of worry – about tariffs, inflation and higher valuations – but as long as the unemployment rate remains low and inflation isn't high enough to deter the Fed, the bull market will continue," said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management.
Palantir Rolls In The S&P 500 Dough
High-tech defense company Palantir continues to be the best place to put your money in the S&P 500. Shares are up 147% this year so far. That would have turned a $100,000 investment into $247,349. That's a gain of nearly $150,000 in a year's time.
And Palantir's chart is a sight to see, too. It sports a perfect 99 RS Rating paired with a 98 EPS Rating. Analysts think the company's profit will boom 57% in 2025, adding to a 64% jump in profit in 2024. Additionally, analysts think the company's profit will rise 29% in 2026.
Few companies are as well positioned for spending changes in President Donald Trump's administration.
GE A Hot S&P 500 Stock?
Palantir is in a class of its own when it comes to gains this year. But General Electric carveout GE Vernova is on its heels. Shares of the power generation firm have nearly doubled this year. That means a $100,000 investment at the beginning of the year would be worth $199,576 now, or a gain of nearly $100,000.
The stock has only traded since early last year, but already earned an RS Rating of 98. Earnings are starting to heat up, too, with analysts calling for 34% growth in 2025.
Mining firm Newmont is the third-best place for your money. It's up 85% this year, turning a $100,000 investment into $184,833. That's a gain of nearly $85,000. The RS Rating is 93 and EPS Rating 89. Analysts are looking for 55% profit growth this year, adding to the blistering 122% gain in 2024.
So, yes, investing in the S&P 500 takes some patience. Had you plunked down $100,000 on the S&P 500 at the start of the year, you'd only be up 8.7% this year for a gain of nearly $10,000. But you still own pieces of some amazing winners.
Biggest Gains On $100,000 Investment
In the S&P 500 this year
| Company | Ticker | YTD % ch. | $100,000 investment value now | $ gain YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palantir Technologies | PLTR | 147.3% | $247,348.94 | $147,348.94 |
| GE Vernova | GEV | 99.6% | $199,575.90 | $99,575.90 |
| Newmont | NEM | 84.8% | $184,833.42 | $84,833.42 |
| Seagate Technology | STX | 79.9% | $179,927.01 | $79,927.01 |
| NRG Energy | NRG | 73.3% | $173,298.60 | $73,298.60 |
| Tapestry | TPR | 69.8% | $169,791.83 | $69,791.83 |
